Today I want to share with you an opportunity to invest in a project that is near and dear to my heart. As a resident of the Kenyon/Wanamingo area, I like to think I have a positive impact on the future growth of our towns. I write articles detailing projects and fundraisers in our neck of the woods and explain the benefits to our community. I try to list the people you can contact to get involved, and how to get more information on these important projects. Today I want to introduce you to the relatively new Kenyon Area Foundation. It is all about the citizens in Kenyon, and how the proceeds from fundraisers and other projects will benefit everyone in the community, because they go to projects being built that will enhance our enjoyment of the place we call home.
The Kenyon Area Foundation was started in July 2025 within the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Community Funds program. Wanamingo was the first community foundation within this program that now boasts thirty-four towns, including recently added Kenyon. The foundation exists to build a brighter future for our community by uniting people and resources to address the most important challenges we face. The Foundation has been known as a conduit for charitable donations for projects such as Good Neighbor Grant giving $5000 to the food shelf and $2500 to the First Lutheran Church and KPD as gift cards to reach families in need, 3 - $500 KW graduate scholarships, $500 grants to the KW Fishing club and Art in the park to name a few. Numerous projects are ongoing as a work in progress. However, there has been accelerated focus on the growth of the endowment fund.
The endowment fund is an investment fund where the original principal gift is kept intact and invested to generate a steady stream of income through earned interest to support the community projects indefinitely. The plan is to eventually provide grants from the investment interest earnings. The endowment fund has roughly $31,000 now, with a goal of growing the fund to $150,000 by the end of the year maximizing the current matching funds we currently have available.
Through direct gifts, bequests, and donations, the foundation invests in projects that foster cooperation, strengthens connections between past and future generations, and creates lasting improvements for everyone in the area. Each contribution helps ensure that our community continues to thrive, with support reaching local programs and initiatives that matter most to our neighbors.
In November, there is always a “Give to the Max Day" where you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact right here at home. But you don't have to wait until November to be a contributor to this fund. We are seeking more individuals who want to play a part in growing the principal amount through personal donations, tax deductible gifts, and ideas for fun ways to grow the principal so the amount we can share with the projects in town grows as well. By giving to the Kenyon Area Foundation, you’re not only supporting today’s needs but also investing in tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we can create significant and widely shared results that benefit every corner of our community. Your gift—no matter the size—will help build a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Kenyon for generations to come. For each dollar you donate, the larger Southern Minnesota Initiative foundation will donate 25 cents. Donors can either designate their donation to a specific fund or help to grow the endowment fund. Donations can be sent to https://smifoundation.org/donate/kenyon-area-community-foundation or mailed to PO Box Kenyon, MN 55946. Or you can meet in person with one or more of the members of this organization and see what will best benefit the growth of the funds, and the impact you can make on the growth of the community.
